INDUSTRY UPDATES

August 23, 2024

Updates in Missouri and Nebraska, Clarification in New Hampshire

Check out the latest legislative updates across the states and take action today!

Missouri

A major positive development in the saga of outgoing Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s outrageous recent Executive Order, which would ban hemp food products that contain delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, THC-O, THCP, THCV, HHC, or “similar substances” (which could be potentially broadly read to ban many intoxicating delta-9 products as well). This week, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, a political rival of the Governor’s, blocked Parson’s emergency rule that would have allowed Alcohol and Tobacco Control to prevent intoxicating products from being sold at liquor-licensed facilities. The proposed rule must go through the formal rulemaking process, meaning that delta-8 THC and similar products will remain available for now. While it’s possible that a different agency—the Department of Health and Senior Services—could take enforcement steps starting September 1, any such action would likely face a quick legal challenge. This could delay matters until a new Governor—who could be more favorable to the hemp industry—is sworn in next January.

Nebraska

Earlier this year, we urged Hemp Supporters to take action against LB 388’s 100% tax rate for consumable hemp products. Thanks to your efforts, a revised version of the bill reduced the tax rate to 25%. But there’s even better news—the latest version of the bill, which the legislature passed in a special session and the Governor signed, does not contain any tax for consumable hemp products. This is a major victory for hemp businesses and consumers in the Cornhusker State!

New Hampshire

Last week, we reported on New Hampshire SB 505, a confusing new law that undoes a portion of a law enacted last year. In reviewing SB 505 closer, we read the law as continuing to allow the sale of hemp products that contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. This means that hemp-derived delta-9 THC products, including those that are intoxicating, are legal if they do not exceed 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. Other THCs are allowed up to 0.3%, but the practical effect is that most delta-8 THC and similar products are effectively illegal because they usually have more than 0.3% THC.

Visit our State Action Center to see active campaigns across the country!

State Action Center

Check out the latest hemp and CBD updates from across the states!